Vogelsgang - Lyell Canyon Loop

Dogs No Dogs

Features Commonly Backpacked · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Vogelsang is the highest of Yosemite's High Sierra Camps at over 10,000 feet elevation. The camp provides access to a number of alpine lakes and backcountry camping options nearby. This loop to Vogelsang via Rafferty Creek Trail, Evelyn Lake Trail, and the PCT makes the perfect beginner-intermediate backpacking trip from Tuolumne Meadows, best done as a 1-2 night trek. Direction of travel on this loop is a matter of preference, but going counterclockwise (up Rafferty Creek and down Evelyn Lake to PCT) as mapped here is arguably the easier and more scenic way to go.

A wilderness permit is required for backpacking. To do this trip as described, you'll need a permit for the Rafferty Creek to Vogelsang trailhead. See the Yosemite National Park website for information about permit lotteries and daily quotas. The Vogelsang High Sierra Camp is closed as of 2025, but backcountry camping is still allowed in the vicinity with a permit.

Start from the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge and head south on the Pacific Crest Trail. In 1.5 miles turn right on Rafferty Creek Trail, following signs for Vogelsang High Sierra Camp. This trail leads about 6 more miles to the camp, which is just over Tuolumne Pass. Upon arriving in Vogelsang, you'll find an idyllic camp with jagged peaks, flowing streams, and alpine lakes.

If spending the night at Vogelsang (or dispersed camping nearby), you'll have many options for short day hikes from camp. Check out Booth Lake, Townsley Lake, Emeric Lake, or Vogelsang Lake. Note that if you want a shorter return day, you could just hike back via Rafferty Creek, but the additional trek into Lyell Canyon on the PCT is worth the extra mileage.

To continue the loop in this way, take Evelyn Lake Trail out from Vogelsang Camp. After passing the lake, this trail crests a high saddle that provides views of the Cathedral Range to the west and the expanse of Lyell Canyon up ahead. The trail drops steeply in switchbacks on the eastern side of the pass.

If you haven't had your fill of alpine lakes, consider the side trip to secluded Ireland Lake on the Ireland Lake Trail. Otherwise, continue down into thickening forest and the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail/John Muir Trail. From there on out, it's a rather flat and easy walk through the valley bottom back to the trailhead.